Shopping for a wedding dress was probably the most stressful aspect of planning the wedding. Actually, I think I was more intimidated than anything. I never had that vision as a little girl as to what I would look like on my wedding day, but knew I didn't want anything too fussy, cheesy, or overwhelming. It wasn't until my mom and I were in New York this past February that I tried on my first dress at the Reem Acra showroom. Quite honestly, the entire experience was a dream come true and felt so right especially because at that time, we were planning for a New Year's Eve wedding. But as life happens, we moved up the wedding and had a much smaller time frame to work within.
After I went to try on dresses at a bridal store in San Francisco, I knew I did not want to go the traditional route. It just wasn't me. I started to look at white dresses at Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, you name it, but found nothing. I was starting to feel discouraged until my mom sent dress options from Gilt Groupe to my email, including this beautiful Valentino. Someone must have had the same idea because the dress was unavailable just a few minutes later and it was gone. Little did I know that my mom had waitlisted the dress and one day received an excited call from her to say it was available and it was ours. I finally had my dress.
Next, I needed to find the perfect undergarments. My dress had such intricate lace and beading detail, but was quite sheer. I didn't want anything that would take away from the beauty of the design, but still wanted comfort and coverage. I turned to ThirdLove. and in minutes had taken measurements via their handy (and accurate) app and my order was received in just a few days. So simple, so convenient, so comfy - all so important for your big day.
Now the shoes.... Now this was the easy choice; I knew I wanted Valentino Rockstuds from the start. It was choosing the right color that posed the biggest challenge given that I didn't have wedding colors. I tried on every option possible, fell in love with these Bordeaux colored stunners and never looked back.
I knew the moment I got engaged that I wanted owner of Salon Mona Lisa and dear family friend, Lisa, to do my hair. And even more than her styling expertise, she's just plain cool with such a calming vibe. I've always looked up to her and think of her as a sister. Not to mention my hair can be quite unruly at times and she's really the only person I trust. I never had a hair trial. She's just that good.
I wore a veil for the ceremony so Lisa created simple beachy waves parted down the center. And for the reception, Lisa recommended a romantic side-swept look secured with a vintage hair pin. I've felt so beautiful.
My makeup was done by Alexis from A Smooth Start. She's sweet, professional and incredibly talented. I had my make up trial a week before the wedding and Alexis created a natural look with light pink lip and classic cat eye.
I wore my great grandmother, Gamma's, exquisite wedding ring and earrings I wore to high school Senior Prom. Both perfectly complemented the sweetness of my dress.
Stephen wore a 3-piece Italian wool tan suit, blue striped bowtie and merlot paisley pocket square all from JCrew. I had the cuffs fixed on a crisp white shirt from Everlane so that he could wear his grandfathers cuff links. He looked so handsome.
Hers:
His:
Pocket square & Bowtie: JCrew
Photos: Colson Griffith Photography
